Open Table Selected as Blue Ribbon Agency

In early 2009, Open Table was selected as a Blue Ribbon Agency by the Arizona Collaboration for a New Century. As part of its Arizona LeaderForce Initiative, the Collaboration utilizes a rigorous screening process to identify six social service agencies annually that have proven results in meeting the needs of low-income people in our communities. The Collaboration targets agencies that make the most difference in helping people overcome poverty. These Blue Ribbon agencies receive technical assistance from business executives in a one-year partnership to build their capacity and expand their impact in the community.

The team of professionals who volunteered to serve as Open Table’s 2009 Coaches applied their professional skills to help Open Table develop tools to accelerate the agency’s growth. The year’s work culminated in final presentations by all six agencies in early December. Mary Ritter, Team Coach and Everest College President, commented “It was very gratifying to work with an agency that is so innovative and has had such an impact in transforming the lives of families in poverty.” Jon Katov, Founder and CEO of Open Table shared his perspective on the experience, “ AZ LeaderForce facilitates the investment of new intellectual capital from business professionals to help nonprofits increase their impact in the community. The experience added value for our organization, and we are grateful.”

Open Table wishes to acknowledge the leadership of Steve Capobres and Rodo Sofranac from the Collaboration for a New Century in this yearlong process. Additionally, many thanks to our Team of Coaches who included Mary Ritter, Roger Adair – University of Phoenix, Chris Anderson – University of Phoenix and Joel Bjerkestrand, retired clergy/Adjunct Professor – Western International University.

More About the Arizona Collaboration for a New Century
The Mission: “Building partnerships, engaging leaders”
The Collaboration facilitates partnerships and cultivates leadership for the purpose of pursuing God’s best for vulnerable people – moving the Valley of the Sun forward toward becoming the City of the Future. The Collaboration has been working since 1999 to build partnerships to assist our most effective service agencies to bring real change for the poor and suffering in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. This includes encouraging investment and strengthening the capacity of programs that are making a difference along with forging public/private partnerships that meet basic needs. Visit the Collaboration online at thecollab.org.